FEBRUARY VIGNETTES

It's been a slow day here in Blondieville.  When I let the dogs out at 7:00 a.m. it was 1 degree...they did their number and flew back in.  Then at 9:00, I went out to get gas for the car and stop at the store, still 1 degree and I flew back home.  That was settled, I was staying in for the rest of the day!  I amused myself by shopping the house and making a few vignettes.  This one is on the kitchen counter.  I tried to corral a few things in a red iron tray, a silver tray painted with chalkboard paint that I won in a giveaway a long time ago, some candles for warmth and the puppie's treats.

Here on the island I have two candles I won in a giveaway last week from Kelly at Coastal Cottage Dreams.  I'm burning the one called Hazelnut Coffee.  Totally Yum!  You may want to visit Kelly, she sells these cute candles and I will definitely be stocking up on some more.  Thanks, Kelly!

I meant to show you this cheese plate that I found in Cedarburg when we were there in November.  Don't you love the wee little mouse?!

Then I moved on to the dining table where I tried to incorporate a little red in to honor St. Valentine's Day coming up soon.  I don't really have a lot of red.  I found the placemats at Big Lots in Michigan a few years back and I made the drop cloth painted runner.

The candles added a lot of warmth to my home, at least mood wise!  I love burning candles during the day.  I received so many at Christmas, I don't have to squander them away for once!  I'm set up for tea here with a sugar container and creamer from Pier 1, a little white pitcher filled with old silver spoons and some Royal Stafford dessert plates.  Want to stop by?  I can bake up something really quick!

Next up, I moved into the family room where my table's were still decorated with bits of fall.  I know, I'm bad.  Just subtle dried flowers from my withered garden and a few pinecones.  I tossed them and added a few bit and pieces I had around.  I just wanted to add something wintry but warm.

The coffee table was hard to get a good shot of.  It was a tight squeeze between the tables and love seat.  Some tealight lanterns, a pitcher of dried hydrangeas and some decorating books.  I wasn't able to brighten up these pictures when I downloaded them.  I promised myself this year that I would learn how to edit my pictures, maybe on Picmonkey or one of the popular sites.  I have to get on that.

As for my week of appointments for everything under the sun, I had my dermatology appointment and I really like my new doctor.  My rash (eczema) is totally out of control and he has a lot of options for me to try.  So that's promising.  Wednesday, hair appointment.  I am going a little darker..I'm not liking the Jessica Simpson color of my hair so Katie is giving me darker roots on the new growth and low lights in a caramel color.  I get a trim every other time I go but I let my hair grow long, it's halfway down my back (and a pain in the butt), I want to wear it softly curled for Emily's wedding.  Then I will have it cut back up to my shoulders like in my profile picture.

My big adventure was taking the dogs to the vet on Thursday.  Dr, Fisher is the nicest lady in the world and my pups are very sweet gentle souls.  But once they get in the exam room, they shake and cry and try to hide...they know the routine!  It takes both me and an assistant to hold them firm so she can examine them and give their shots.  Layla was snapping at her a little, so as much as it kills me, I had her muzzle them.  Afterward, the assistant took Milo back to the lab to do blood work. A bit later the assistant popped in the door and urgently called Dr. Fisher out.  A few minutes later I heard on the intercom, "We have a bleeder in the lab."  I nearly had a heart attack and had to restrain from running down there.  I kept thinking of Milo lying in a pool of blood.  I repeatedly told myself, "I have kids...I've been through everything; stitches, broken bones, concussions."  But I was frantic.  After about ten minutes, the doctor came in and explained that Milo was struggling and scratched his face in two places and they had to put compresses on him...he was fine.  He has some little scabs and one bled a little this morning but he's okay.  They slept a few hours after their big adventure.  I thought about a Xanax and a shot of whiskey!  They are my babies!

Finally, I wanted to show you this cookbook that I found last week.  The author, Sophie Dahl (Yes, the granddaughter of that wonderful author Roald Dahl) has written several cookbooks and a lifestyle book.  She is from England and is a contributing editor at British Vogue.  I am eating this book up...it's one of those you like to take to bed and read!  I can't wait to try some new recipes.

So that was my week at a glance.  We have a very cold weekend predicted, but even so, The Husband and I are going to go out and look at cars.  My lease is up soon and I am going to get a Forever Car finally!  Even though I got to drive a new car every 3 years, and I always got the same make, model and color (I'm so adventurous!), I hated giving them back.  So I'm excited.

Okay, have to run.  I will be back soon.  Have you noticed I'm posting a little more often?  Is that a good thing? lol! :)

I'm joining Marty from A Stroll Thru Life for Tabletop Tuesday, as well as Claudia at Mockingbird Hill Cottage for her Favorite Things Party.  Please join in!!